Public Law 114-294, the Communities Helping Invest through Property and Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of 2016, also known as the “CHIP-IN Act,” authorizes VA to accept donations from up to five non-federal entities to help fund and expedite the construction of health-care related capital projects.

The CHIP-IN Act aligns with VA secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin’s efforts to modernize the department and enhance service to Veterans by streamlining and instituting infrastructure improvements to health-care facilities.

“Our strategic partnerships are one of many valuable tools that allow us to provide assistance to our Veterans,” Shulkin said. “Donations through the CHIP-IN Act will help us deliver health-care facilities for our Veterans in a faster, more cost-effective manner.”

The first CHIP-IN Act partner is helping to build a new Ambulatory Care Center in Omaha, Nebraska. The center will provide a much-needed facility to Veterans in the region faster than a traditional funding and construction timeframe, and with a reduced burden on the taxpayer. VA is looking forward to developing similar partnerships for future CHIP-IN Projects through the RFI.

The RFI, available on the Federal Business Opportunities website, is seeking interest from non-federal entities, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, private entities, and donor groups, for the remaining four partnership opportunities. The donations must be: (1) real property that includes a constructed facility or that is to be used as the site of a facility constructed by the donor, or (2) a facility to be constructed by the donor on VA-controlled property. Interested parties must respond by Jan. 15, 2018.

The CHIP-IN Act will help VA forge even closer bonds to the community by developing strategic partnerships with existing and new partners that have close ties to the communities they serve. The CHIP-IN Act is also a roadmap for communities that want to support VA’s efforts to address the emerging needs of Veterans in a collaborative, cost-efficient manner, which will benefit taxpayers and communities broadly.